SBI – A Model For Delivering Effective Feedback

Summary

The SBI (Situation-Behavior-Impact) feedback model is a structured approach to providing clear and constructive feedback.

Usage

The SBI model is used to:

Provide objective, fact-based feedback focused on specific behaviors and their impact.
Avoid personal attacks or criticism by keeping the feedback centered on observable actions.
Clarify what needs to be improved or continued by highlighting the impact of the behavior.
Foster open communication, continuous learning, and growth within teams and organizations.

The SBI model can be applied in various situations, such as:

Performance reviews and coaching sessions
Team meetings and project debriefs
Providing positive reinforcement for desired behaviors
Addressing areas for improvement or undesirable behaviors

Description

The SBI feedback model provides a structured framework for delivering specific, actionable feedback that focuses on observable behaviors and their impact, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and growth. The SBI model consists of three components:

Situation: Describe the specific context or situation where the behavior occurred, including details like time, place, and circumstances.
Behavior: Objectively describe the observable actions or behavior you want to provide feedback on, without judgment or interpretation.
Impact: Explain the consequences or effects of the behavior, whether positive or negative, on you, the team, or the organization.

Sample Activity

Effective feedback is a skill that requires practice and reinforcement. By teaching the SBI model and providing opportunities for hands-on application, you can help individuals develop the ability to deliver clear, constructive feedback that fosters a culture of continuous improvement. Here are some instructions for teaching the SBI (Situation-Behavior-Impact) feedback model: Explain the SBI Model

Situation: Describe the specific context or situation where the behavior occurred.
Behavior: Objectively describe the observable actions or behavior.
Impact: Explain the consequences or effects of the behavior.

Provide examples of effective SBI feedback:

Situation: "During our team meeting yesterday at 10 AM..."
Behavior: "When you interrupted Sarah while she was presenting..."
Impact: "It disrupted the flow of the meeting, and Sarah seemed flustered."

Contrast the effective examples with poorly constructed feedback that lacks specificity or objectivity. Practice the Model Divide participants into pairs or small groups and provide them with scenarios or case studies. Have them role-play delivering and receiving SBI feedback, allowing for feedback and coaching from peers or the instructor.

Source:

The SBI (Situation-Behavior-Impact) feedback model was developed by the Center for Creative Leadership (CCL).

Tags:

Target Audience:

Individuals
Managers
Teams
Educators
Facilitators

Helpful Links:

How to use the SBI feedback model [11 Examples + SBI Feedback form - From Nailted - https://nailted.com/blog/how-to-use-the-sbi-feedback-model-to-give-effective-feedback/
Improve Talent Development With Our SBI Feedback Model – From the Center for Creative Leadership - https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/sbi-feedback-model-a-quick-win-to-improve-talent-conversations-development/
Use Situation-Behavior-Impact (SBI)™ to Understand Intent – From the Center for Creative Leadership - https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/closing-the-gap-between-intent-vs-impact-sbii/

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